If you're thinking about a trip to Chicago, then our first thought is "good choice!" We're based out of Chicago, and we love it here. But we recognize that it's not the cheapest city to visit, and all of those sausages, Italian beefs, and other stereotypical Chi-town foods can add up. With that in mind, we offer this game plan for doing Chicago on a budget.

Hotels: about $175

Shop Chicago hotel deals.

Don't think it's possible to find two nights in a Chicago hotel for under $200? Trust us, it's doable. As of this publication, Groupon has five cheap hotel deals in Chicago proper for less than $82/night. Here are a few Chicago hotels you might want to check:

• The Freehand Hotel: A boutique hotel in the trendy River North neighborhood, featuring a James Beard Award-winning cocktail bar (starting at $47/night)
• Inn of Chicago: A historic hotel dating back to 1927, located right along the Magnificient Mile (starting at $41/night)
• Hotel Lincoln: Featuring 4-star accommodations and a rooftop bar overlooking Lake Michigan and Lincoln Park (starting at $77/night)

Eating Out: about $70

Shop deals for Chicago restaurants under $30.

One of the highlights of a Chicago weekend trip is its food. From Chicago-style hot dogs (with what seems like an entire salad's worth of toppings) to dripping Italian beef to deep-dish pizza, the city boasts several classic cheap eats. But Chicago's food scene is more than just its gut-busting greasy entrees. We recommend this itinerary to keep costs low:

• Lunch on Day 1: $12.50 for gourmet tacos at Big & Little's
• Dinner on Day 1: $22.50 for one deep-dish pizza (plus beer or wine) at Pizzeria Due
• Lunch on Day 2: Get 20% cash back at hot-dog drive-in institution Superdawg
• Dinner on Day 2: $25 for a romantic fondue dinner at Geja's Cafe

Take a Tour: $20

Shop for deals on tours in Chicago.

The Windy City begs to be properly toured with an energetic guide. A tour might take you past its picturesque lakeshore or its world-class architecture, or it might delve into the city's whirlwind history. Whatever the case, don't leave without taking one of these tours:

• Inside Chicago Walking Tours: Explore some of the Loop's most important buildings and most gorgeous architecture in a series of four tours ($15 for admission).
• Puzzle by the Glass: Go on bar-hopping scavenger hunts in Chicago's pub-centric North Side ($24.99 for admission).
• Chicago's Finest Tours: This touring company specializes in guided excursions in the Chicago Pedway system, the underground tunnels that locals use to avoid the city's often brutal winters ($15 for admission).
• Chicago Experiences: Take one of their "Cursed Chicago" tours, which delve into the city's spookier side ($12 for admission).

Catch a Show: about $20

Shop for deals on shows in Chicago.

When you think of theater, you probably automatically think of New York. But don't sleep on Chicago: Paste magazine writes that "Chicago has one of the most thriving theatre scenes on the planet and is probably the youngest and most energetic." Even if you're doing Chicago on a budget, you'd be surprised what you can see. Current options include:

• Chicago Magic Lounge: Be perplexed by the tricks at this burlesque-style speakeasy ($15 for admission).
• Sir Gaiwan & the Green Knight: A Rock n' Roll Musical: That book you read in high school is now a rockin' play, with music from Foreigner, Steve Winwood, Jonny Lang, and more ($16.50 for admission).
• It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago: A holiday treat, this adaptation of the 1939 Jimmy Stewart classic is presented as a live 1940s-style radio broadcast (admission starting at $27.75).
• Hydrate Nightclub: Every weekend, you can catch the Beauties & Beaus drag show and male revue ($18 for VIP admission).

Other Sightseeing: $8-$20

Shop for deals on sightseeing and other activites in Chicago.

You've done some touring, you've caught a show—now you've got an extra afternoon to do some more sightseeing. Whatever your interests for a vacation, Chicago likely has it. Try these ideas to save a little cash while you sightsee:

• The Skydeck at Willis Tower: Go up to the 103rd floor of what was once the world's tallest building. The Skydeck glass boxes allow you to feel like you're floating above the city ($18 for admission).
• 360 Chicago (aka the John Hancock Observatory): Chicago's other major supertall observatory is on the 94th floor of the Hancock Building, where you get a 360° view of Chicago, Lake Michigan, and a horizon that includes four states (admission starting at $18.45).
• Go on a brewery or distillery tour: Chicago's craft-brewing and distilery scene has exploded in recent years. Taste the produce of this drinking renaissance at Koval Distillery, Argus Brewery, and Penrose Brewing Company.
• Chicago History Museum: The city's premiere history museum and one of the best cheap things to do in Chicago, the Chicago History Museum holds 22 million artifacts, plus replicas of a jazz club and one of the city's famous L cars ($8 for admission).
• Brookfield Zoo: Wander around this 83-year-old zoo, which is home to more than 450 different species, including gorillas, giraffes, aadvarks, and more ($12.99 for admission).